President Biden avoided any calls for de-escalation while addressing the nation Tuesday with regard to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.Speaking from the White House, flanked by Vice President Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the president vowed that the U.S. “has Israel’s back” as it prepares for a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip just days after Hamas militants crossed the border and slaughtered Israeli civilians, including women, children and babies.
“We must be crystal clear: We stand with Israel. We stand with Israel. And we will make sure Israel has what it needs to take care of its citizens, defend itself and respond to this attack,” Biden said.
“There’s no justification for terrorism. There’s no excuse. Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination. Its stated purpose is the annihilation of the state of Israel and the murder of Jewish people,” he added.
Biden declared that Israel has a “right” and a “duty” to respond to the attacks and said the U.S. will “make sure” the country has what it needs to fight back, including keeping its Iron Dome missile defense system operational.
The president confirmed that 14 Americans have been killed in the attacks and that a number of others are being held hostage in Gaza. He added that the U.S. will work with its Israeli counterparts to safely free them.Let there be no doubt: The United States has Israel’s back,” Biden said. “We’re with Israel. Let’s make no mistake.”
At least 40 babies, some beheaded, found by Israel soldiers in Hamas-attacked village
Israel’s military has discovered unspeakable horrors in an Israeli community that was attacked by Hamas on Saturday, including dozens of dead babies, some with their heads chopped off, Israeli media reported.
According to local Israeli outlet i24News, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers moved into Kfar Aza, one of the communities Hamas terrorists invaded early Saturday morning, and discovered about 40 dead babies, some decapitated — highlighting the brutality of the invading forces.
The IDF were removing the bodies of victims found in the area when they found the children’s remains. Israeli soldiers are attempting to use bones to identify the victims, according to the report.
On Saturday morning, Hamas-led forces poured over the Israel-Gaza border while residents were sleeping, dragging people into the streets, taking some hostage while beheading and killing others. More than 700 Israelis, including men, women, children and the elderly, were indiscriminately killed in one day — the largest terror attack in a single day in Israel’s history.
The Israeli army allowed members of the media into Kibbutz Kfar Aza, which is located less than a quarter of a mile from the Gaza border.
In the city, residents were murdered and their bodies left lying in the streets. Cars were completely burned and the devastation was extended to buildings, some of which were abandoned and destroyed.
According to i24News, the destructive visuals were met with what was described as “the smell of death.”The once-vibrant community is now unrecognizable after Saturday’s brutal and swift attack.
The outlet described the level of barbarity they witnessed as what the Allied forces must have experienced walking into Nazi-controlled areas during World War II.
“Many soldiers were called up for reserve service and could be seen actively consoling each other after what they had to witness. They arrived expecting the worst, but the scenes are beyond anything that one could imagine. Some soldiers say they found babies with their heads cut off, entire families gunned down in their beds. About 40 babies and young children have been taken out on gurneys — so far,” i24News reported
The outlet added, “The atrocities that were committed with guns, grenades, knives, all targeting innocent civilians in their homes. We can see soccer nets on lawns, a sign of the bucolic life that once existed here. Doors are wide open, strollers left behind, sidewalks destroyed by artillery. There are charred houses as terrorists burned down houses to drive the civilians sheltering inside to come out.”According to the report, 200 victims were found in the city.
IDF soldiers have secured control over Israeli towns and villages but remain vigilant to stop any terrorists that continue operating in the area.
While the fighting has left Kfar Aza, fighting between Israel and Hamas can still be heard from its streets. The sound of artillery and rocket fire can also be heard in the background.
Israel has amassed tanks and forces near the Gaza border as a ground invasion is expected. Israel continues to launch major airstrikes on Gaza.